Gold List 2012: 17 Hotel Terraces with Unbelievable Views

Our readers say: Staying at this seven-story 1835 landmark is “like sliding into a comfortable smoking jacket—a perfect fit.” On the rue de Rivoli between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde, it’s in “the best location in all of Paris, especially for museum lovers.” Rooms in a palette of light colors and bright accents have period-style furnishings as well as views of the Tuileries Gardens, the Musée d’Orsay, and the Eiffel Tower. The wraparound terrace of the Belle Étoile Suite has 360-degree views of Paris. At Restaurant Le Meurice, food like roasted lamb from Lozère “lives up to the expectations of a Paris experience.”

Our readers say: “If I could only go to one place again in my life, it would be here. Everything was perfect!” The design of this twelfth-century medieval and Baroque palace in the town’s former aristocratic quarter receives a perfect score. Rooms are outfitted in handcrafted Vietri tiles, eighteenth-century Italian antiques, brass accessories, and Frette linens. At Rossellinis, enjoy dinner on one of the terraces, looking down on fishing boats a thousand feet below, sampling dishes like cod fillet with Gaeta olive crust. Caffè dell’Arte, with a black-and-white-tile floor, has casual regional food.

Our readers say: The location of this neoclassical hotel a few steps from St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace is “as good as it gets,” hence the perfect score. Tchaikovsky composed part of his Fourth Symphony here. Combining two pensioni that merged in 1900, the rooms have fabric-covered walls and Biedermeier furniture, and some have views of St. Mark’s basin. Finished in white Istrian stone, the facade and 100 windows overlook Venice’s lagoon. Do Leoni restaurant’s stalwart Italian dishes use fish fresh from the Rialto Market. Evening cocktails are served at the wooden bar with its white stools, or out on the veranda facing Riva degli Schiavoni, the broad waterfront promenade.

Our readers say: "Always a home away from home" is one former guest’s take on this Beverly Hills hotel built in classic French-chateau style. "The whole experience is sophisticated but unstuffy." You arrive to monogrammed pillows—"they even embroider your dog’s name into its bed linens if you’re a regular guest—and it only gets better from there." Located near Rodeo Drive, it’s also "worlds away from the congestion of L.A." Rooms in light colors combine honey-toned wood furnishings with garden-print fabrics in warm shades. Power-lunch over modern American cuisine like grilled rib eye with fingerling potatoes at The Belvedere. "The villa we stay in, room 130, is a wonderful two-story refuge from the city." Take afternoon tea in front of two fireplaces at the Living Room.

Our readers say: "In the heart of quintessential Seattle," this brick hotel is on a hillside above Pike Place Market. The "very fun atmosphere" is created, in part, by an ivy-draped inner courtyard with shops, restaurants, and a fountain. Minimalist rooms have silk and chenille accents and bay windows with "beautiful views of the market and Elliott Bay," and Hypnos bedding. Campagne serves southern French specialties in a softly lit room of red banquettes and hand-blown glass light fixtures. The healthy bistro, Bacco, blends fresh fruit and vegetable juices. "Every detail from the greeting to checkout was exemplary."

Our readers say: This “classic Caribbean legend” is an all-inclusive on 20 acres of gardens, where “beautiful yellow birds” flit in and out of the trees. Stuccoed accommodations are filled with wicker and overlook the beach, where dinner is served alfresco every Monday evening. A different band plays nightly in the main restaurant, where the French and Caribbean flavors intensify local ingredients like grouper and wahoo. Staff “welcome you back like you’re family.” Kids can brush up on their drop volleys, topspin lobs, and cross-court backhand winners at the complimentary kids’ tennis clinic.

Party spaces Designed specifically for weddings, the Paradise Pavilion is an ample terrace of stone, wood, and terra cotta tile that works both for ceremonies and receptions of up to 80 people; naturally the views are dazzling. Smaller parties and rehearsal dinners can make use of the main restaurant, bar, and pool area.

For guests on a budget: For families (kids aren’t allowed to stay at Ladera) and those watching their wallets, there are several small hotels in the area, including the Hummingbird Beach Resort, known for the best rum punches on the island, and Mago Hotel, with open-wall rooms.

One more thing: Sourced locally—fresh-caught fish, produce from island farmers—chef Orlando Satchell’s dishes taste as distinctively St. Lucian as the resort feels.

Our readers say: “A real-life jewel on Lake Pichola,” this eighteenth-century palace is a sweep of courtyards, corridors, and pavilions inlaid with stone, gilt molding, and mirrors. Guests reach the four-acre, man-made island via private boat and are then transferred to rooms with hand-painted motifs, mosaics, silk bolsters, swings, and stained glass. “We had a beautiful view of the maharaja’s palace on the shore.” Formal attire is required at the rooftop Bhairo, but it’s worth it: “If you want to have a decent steak in India, the rooftop restaurant is the place.” Wood-fired Rajasthani specialties are served at Neel Kamal.

Our readers say: The perfect-scoring location of this two-part camp near bush, plains, and wetlands means that "the game viewing is spectacular"—expect to see lions, leopards, zebras, and more on the (also perfect-scoring) game drives—and "the scenery is pristine nature all around." "Phenomenal comfort" is the norm inside the tents, which are elevated into the tree canopy and have wood beams, outdoor showers, and private verandas. Meals are served anywhere on the property, and they impress: "You don't expect food that good in the bush." "Mombo is a truly wonderful place to stay."

Our readers say: Set on a jungle hillside along the Mekong River, this “simply stunning property” has views of three countries—Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. The “diversity of activities” includes elephant trekking, bird watching, cooking classes, and more. Complete with handcrafted furniture, mosquito nets, and a hand-hammered copper bathtub, the “tents are amazing, as are the views.” Three tents have custom-made wooden hot tubs on the decks, with views of the surrounding jungle. Dine on regional and Western cuisine in a thatched-roof pavilion at Nong Yao, where “the chef will prepare local cuisine with local spices especially for you.” “By far the most memorable resort of anywhere we have stayed.”

Our readers say: Sunrise views over the Pacific and sunsets over the lagoon and Mount Otemanu make this Polynesian village resort “the most beautiful place on earth.” Surrounded by coconut palms, buildings have leaf-thatched roofs and walls made of volcanic stone with mother-of-pearl accents. Perfect-scoring rooms include overwater bungalows that are “beyond words,” allowing guests to view schools of fish below or gaze above into the sky. Enjoy an outing on the resort’s catamaran and a passion fruit mojito at the pool bar. The food is “magnificently prepared” at the four restaurants, including Arii Moana, which serves French and Polynesian cuisine. "Every detail is addressed by the very friendly and efficient staff."

Our readers say: This "drop-dead gorgeous, low-key resort," where the grounds are speckled with waterfalls, gardens, streams, and ponds, is on a cliff overlooking a bay. Rooms have private lanais overlooking the gardens or the Pacific and are done in tropical colors, with headboards that have pineapple motifs. Perched above Hulopo‘e Bay, Fresco specializes in contemporary Italian with ingredients supplied by local fishermen and farmers. While "the food is disappointing," staff are not only "helpful and courteous, they’re just plain nice." Pool attendants supply Evian spritzes and chilled towels.

Our readers say: “It’s a fabulous spa in a dream setting.” The 3,000-acre resort below Mount Kuchumaa, which is sacred to some Native Americans, has mountains, boulders, meadows, grasslands, woodlands, and chaparral on its grounds. The formal hiking program takes full advantage of the terrain; other options include watsu, acupuncture, hot river-stone massage, and craniosacral therapy. Built in Spanish colonial–style, red-brick casitas with tile roofs and outdoor patios are set amid extensive gardens. “This is one of my favorite places to rest, relax, and revitalize.” “Staff are helpful and friendly.” “Fantastic meals” are included in the rate—the locally sourced cuisine is primarily vegetarian. “It’s the best place to regain your health—physical and mental.” There’s a one-week

Our readers say: At this waterfront Cape Cod resort—whose name means "crescent on the water"—"the service is warm and personal." Design includes classic cedar shingles, English-style gardens, fire pits, and nautically inspired rooms with "breathtaking ocean and bay views."At Twenty-eight Atlantic, you can have the Petite Clam Bake—butter-poached lobster, Yukon Gold potatoes, and corn pudding—while gazing at the bay through the eight-foot windows. Come cocktail hour, head to the clubby Thoreau’s and sink into a leather chair by the granite fireplace. "Everything about this place is extraordinary."

Our readers say: From the moment they make their dramatic entrance through a 1,000-foot torch-lit tunnel, guests say that this property designed to emulate a Mediterranean mountainside village is “a real nirvana.” Interiors celebrate traditional Mexican culture, with indigenous plants and stones, handcarved wood, local artisan-made ceramic tiles, and desert-inspired hues. “Magnificent rooms” have private terraces and plunge pools with Pacific views. At the casual, cliffside El Farallón, fish from the surrounding waters is served alfresco. The Auriga spa is “not to be missed”—sound therapy is one of the offerings. As for staff, “every wish, need, and dream is met.”

Our readers say: This secluded adults-only retreat on two miles of “breathtaking beach” is “like no other place in Mexico.” “Lovely, serene rooms” on the garden level and others with terraces overlooking the ocean are Zen-inspired, in cream, brown, and white; terraces have teak furniture. Armonia Spa offers a coconut and mango scrub. Siempre restaurant blends Mediterranean, Asian, and Mexican flavors for “true gourmet food.” Horizons, located on the sand, has nightly themed dinners—Brazilian steak house, Italian, seafood, organic Ayurvedic, to name a few. Golf, fishing, and trips to see nesting sea turtles are some of the activities available. “Staff go above and beyond.”

Our readers say: “A peaceful escape awaits” at this eco-hideaway on 300 jungle acres between Dangriga and Placencia. Opened in 2002 by an Italian businessman, Kanantik, which means “to take care” in Mayan Mopan, is four miles from the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary (a jaguar preserve) and a short boat ride from the world’s second-largest barrier reef. Dotting the beach, Mayan thatched-roof cabanas have canopied beds, wood floors, and wraparound decks. The restaurant features fresh catch and organic produce grown on-site and makes its own breads, tortilla chips, and jams. “Staff are warm and polished.”